An Introduction to Comparative Legal Models of Criminal Justice

by Cliff Roberson, Dilip K. Das

While in Plato’s time there may have been some truth to his belief that there can only be "one single justice, and one single law," such is not the case today. Criminal justice systems vary widely across the world in their approaches to the problem of crime. Bringing together the collective wisdom of Cliff Roberson and Dilip K. Das, two world-renowned experts and university professors who have been involved in the criminal justice system for over thirty years, An Introduction to Comparative Legal Models of Criminal Justice presents the theme that a country’s legal model to a great extent determines the character of its police and corrections as well as its legal system. This book examines these different systems and is a useful reference guide for all criminal justice professionals. Examines Various Approaches The book begins with a brief overview of the five legal models. The continental (civil) system, characterized by an inquisitorial nature and practiced in most European countries, is discussed, followed by the common law model, which is known for its adversarial quality and is used in most English-speaking countries. The religion-based Islamic system and the rehabilitation-oriented Marxist system are also profiled. Those systems that are still emerging or are hybrid in nature are characterized as mixed. In some cases, the secretive nature of certain countries’ methods, especially those using extreme punishments, necessitated reliance on reports published by the U.S. State Department. By examining how other societies deal with problems of justice, criminal justice professionals will gain insight as to which police and corrections methods are likely to be the most successful in their jurisdictions, and which will create more problems than they solve.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2008